Reorganization and New Content Creation Meeting
Here’s the story…
Over the years the Worldwide Santa Claus Network has accumulated over 200 hours of original content. We have sessions on working with photo studios, including one where a Santa shares how he consistently earns over $30,000 per year from this single source.
We have sessions on how to better work with those with Special Needs, including one where an adult with autism shares his personal experience of life and gives us Santas tips on how we can better serve those with autism.
We have sessions on marketing of all sorts, social media, direct mail, networking, websites, etc.
Dozens and dozens and dozens of very specific sessions that provide valuable time & embarrassment saving guidance in nearly every aspect of portraying Santa or Mrs. Claus.
You can learn how others have booked TV commercials, better handle media interviews, how to work with booking against and retail photo companies… the list goes on and on… well over 200 hours of shared experience that ANY Santa can learn from.
HERE’S THE PROBLEM…
Most of these training sessions have been produced over a period of years, and while the information is all there, it can at times be difficult to find just what you’re looking for.
This year, 2021, is the year of rebuilding the network from the ground up.
Now with well over 3,000 members and an average of 166 user sessions per day, it’s time to rethink the organizational structure to better serve our members. We’re starting with a blank slate and creating both content and a navigational structure that will let our members quickly and easily find the information they’re looking for.
Our curriculum committee has created a model that I would like you to see and provide input on.
Here’s an outline of the proposed content & structure… to see the current content CLICK HERE
Goal – I want to be a successful Santa/Mrs. Claus
(100 Level Courses)
INTRO TO SANTA CLAUS/MRS. CLAUS PORTRAYAL
History – VERY brief overview of Santa, Mrs. Claus & Portrayal Artist opportunities
Why – Gain clarity about your motivation(s)
Goals – What would you like to accomplish as a Santa/Mrs. Claus Portrayal Artist
Special Skills (See Specialties Level 400 below)
Staying Healthy & Vibrant – Health – Nutrition, hydration, exercise
Goal- I want to look like a successful Santa/Mrs. Claus
(200 Level Courses)
SANTA FASHION
BB&B (Beard, belt, and boots)
Grooming – BEARD CARE AND GROOMING
White beard – hair considerations
To bleach or not to bleach
INTRO TO SANTA/MRS. CLAUS WARDROBE
Clothing
The Cost of a Good Look
Goal – I want to act like a successful Santa
(300 Level Courses)
BEST PRACTICES FOR SANTA AND MRS. CLAUS PORTRAYAL
Behavior
Acting vs. being
Are you the “real” Santa?
Promises, promises
Stages of child development
WHAT TO SAY & NOT SAY
General comments to children and parents
Asking Questions
Answering Questions
GOOD, BETTER, BEST, EXTRAORDINARY (AND BAD…)
What are the basic expectations for Santa
How expectations differ at different types of appearances
How to exceed expectations (be perceived as being extraordinary)
Goal – I want to be employed like a successful Santa/Mrs. Claus
(400 Level Courses)
ESTABLISHING BUSINESS OBJECTIVES
Working with Photo Companies (Malls)
Working with Professional Photographers
Working with Booking Agents
Marketing Your Own Services
MARKETING
Off-Line Marketing
Networking
On-Line Marketing
Services (GigSalad, etc.)
Social Media
Groups (Fit Santas, Christian Santas, Mall Santas, etc.)
Your Own Website
Design
Traffic Building
Conversion Maximization
Social Media Marketing
Your Personal Profile
Pages
Groups
Business
Local
Tik Tok
BOOKINGS
How to book gigs
Software
Services (PayPal, Square, etc.)
MONEY, MONEY, MONEY (AND OTHER LEGAL “STUFF”)
Determining fees (this was the most common question on most Facebook groups)
Income taxes
1099’s
Cash jobs
Filing as a business
Copyright ethics and other legalities
GIG TYPES
Malls
Sporting Goods
Home Parties
Company Parties
Community Events
Photo Studios – Family Photography
Commercial Photography – Santa/Mrs. Model
Internet Videos
TV Commercials
TV Shows
Movies
Virtual Visits
Into to VV
Working with companies
Working for yourself
Volunteer/Charity & Paid Not-For-Profit Work
Community Events
Schools
Church Events
Special Needs
Hospitals
ACTING ON CAMERA
Screen work –
Internet Videos
TV Commercials
TV Shows
Movies
Virtual Visits – Zoom, OBS, etc.
VIDEO PRODUCTION AND SELF-TAPING
THE MEDIA
Getting Interviewed
How to Prepare for Interviews
How to Prepare the Media for your interview
SPECIALTIES
Special Needs
Second Language
Sign Language
Singing/Music
Magic
Storytelling
Poetry
Ventriloquist
Fashion Shows (Mrs.)
Baking Contest (Mrs.)
Handicrafts (Mrs.)
Goal – I want to be active during the off-season
(500 Level Courses)
REFLECTIVE THINKING
How did it go?
What went well (keep)
What went bad (discard or change)
OFF SEASON SANTA OPPORTUNITIES
“Christmas in July”
Optional character portrayals
NEXT SEASON
How to begin
When to begin
Important considerations (Be, Look, Act, Work)
###
With your HELP we will make the Worldwide Santa Claus Network EVEN BETTER!
Join me Thursday, January 21st at 5:00 PM Pacific, 8:00 Eastern, for a Zoom Meeting to get comments & suggestions from our members before creating the new structure and new courses/classes.
Attendees will be split into several small groups for discussion and input.
REGISTER HERE- https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwpcOyorToiE9eGBB86sDtm-oFJb38vXXb5
Thank you for asking for my input. One thing I did not see on the New Curriculum, was any class about Physical presentation, ie: makeup, clothing , personal presentation for live events etc,. Supplies, that you should have on every live session, backup equipment, hand sanitizer, snacks etc.
I have learned so much from being a member of The Santa Claus Conservatory, I think this new edition/revamping will take a great program and bring it to new heights. I am looking forward to another great year of learning and sharing within the community.
Santa Eric Epstein
Plano Texas
Thank you!
I’m excited for what lays ahead. I have been asked about portraying Santa for most my adult life. I have had both children and adults with that question. This will be my choice of work as I am retiring from the public school system this year. I welcome any suggestions as to be the best Santa I can be. Good luck to all of you out there.
Welcome. 🙂